American University in Dubai Announces the AUD Semester in Dubai Study Abroad Program

DUBAI, UAE, November 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The American University in Dubai (AUD) recently announced the development and addition of a focused study abroad program - the AUD Semester in Dubai, designed to provide visiting students with a snapshot of the Middle East through the study of language, history and culture - with specific attention accorded to Dubai through the new specialized course called "The UAE Experience".

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"Dubai is a modern city-state whose economic progress and broad-scale success has captured the imagination of the world," explains Justin Cooper, long time advisor to President Bill Clinton and AUD Governing Board member. "With this new specialized program at AUD, students will learn how Dubai achieved its success and the challenges it will face in the future as a global city." Cooper, who has been instrumental in the development of this specialized study abroad program, has been involved with the university since the launch of the AUD-Clinton Scholarship program, an effort to foster intercultural understanding among American students.

Through its External Relations Office, AUD has established many exchange/study abroad programs. "Students choosing The American University in Dubai will find it is committed to fostering intercultural understanding," comments AUD President Dr. Lance de Masi. "This commitment to a broad international perspective is demonstrated through our courses; the exchange programs available to students; the many activities and organizations that promote appreciation for cultural diversity; and the presence on campus every year of over 100 study-abroad students from across the U.S. and around the world."

The AUD Semester in Dubai Program

The 5-course AUD Semester in Dubai program allows visiting students to live and study on campus - where103 nationalities are represented, and benefit from the integration of co-curricular activities with traditional classroom instruction. Professors and professionals join forces in providing students with a true-to-life exposure to the Middle East that is rewarding, both intellectually and in terms of personal development. "This gives the students the unique chance to learn and experience many different cultures and to engage in an open exchange of opinions and ideas," comments Cooper.

The UAE Experience

AUD developed "The UAE Experience" course with a focus on Dubai. Material of a historical, geographical, cultural, political, and commercial nature is integrated so that students obtain an understanding of what Dubai is today, of how it fits into the world, and those factors that have shaped its development. The course makes use of guest speakers from various sectors of Dubai's society and numerous field trips guarantee student exposure to important Dubai institutions, organizations, and landmarks.

Other courses, part of the program, include an Introduction to Middle East History and a study of the Historical and Societal Aspects of Islam. Upon completion of students' course work, they will have added an international dimension to their formal education, while fulfilling academic requirements that will transfer credit back to their home institutions. "The objective is that students will have had a memorable experience that will greatly influence and expand their worldviews," concludes President de Masi.

Students wishing to apply to the AUD Semester in Dubai Program, can do so by browsing the AUD website on http://www.aud.edu/AcademicAffairs/Other/AUDSemInDXBProg/

NOTES TO EDITORS

About AUD

The American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1995.  It serves UAE nationals and international students who seek world-class career-oriented education.  AUD, as an international institution of higher education, encourages global understanding by providing an atmosphere of cultural diversity and opportunities for an international education.

• AUD is officially licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates.  The Ministry has accredited the university's programs in International Studies, Business Administration (both undergraduate and graduate), Communication and Information Studies, Engineering, Architecture, Visual Communication and Interior Design, Education (graduate), and Construction Management (graduate), in addition to a Certificate program in Middle Eastern Studies.
• AUD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges (COC) to award Bachelor's and Master's degrees.    
• AUD is approved to operate by the State of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC).
• AUD has received specialized accreditation for its Bachelor's of Business Administration (B.B.A.), and Master's of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree programs in business through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).  
• The university's undergraduate majors in Marketing Communications and Advertising have been accredited by the International Advertising Association (IAA) in New York.
• The Civil, Computer, and Electrical Engineering Programs of AUD's School of Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.  

For more information, please visit http://www.aud.edu.  

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For more information,please contact
Marketing Communications Department
American University in Dubai
T.  +971-4-3183-108
E.  [email protected]; [email protected]

SOURCE American University in Dubai